Shillong, Jan 17
President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday that the government is working in mission mode to ensure connectivity, employment, and infrastructure in the North Eastern States.
Speaking at a civic reception hosted in her honour by the Meghalaya Government at Raj Bhavan, Shillong, the President said, “With Look East evolving into Act East, the Government envisages the North Eastern States as India’s gateway to South East Asia.” Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Cabinet ministers, and several dignitaries attended the civic reception.
Stating that Meghalaya is one of the “Ashta Laxmi” states, the President said, “When Indians turn to the East in obeisance,” we pray to the Sun God as the source of light and seek to dispel the shadows of ignorance and evil. That’s why it would be correct to say that there cannot be “Bharat Uday” without “Purvodaya”.” Noting that Meghalaya holds great opportunities and potential for tourism-related activities, Murmu said that she was happy to note that the state government is implementing many projects for the development of tourism infrastructure.
She expressed confidence that the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart, held in November last year in Shillong, will be a great help in highlighting unique tourism products, rich biodiversity, and unique intangible heritage, including local traditions, dance forms, arts, handicrafts, and handlooms, to not only a domestic but also an international audience.
“Not only in areas of tourism but in other sectors such as agriculture, information technology and horticulture, Meghalaya holds great potential,” the President said.
Moreover, she said that initiatives like the Shillong IT Park and the Meghalaya Broadband Policy 2018 have helped Meghalaya’s IT sector achieve new heights.
“A vibrant IT ecosystem and educational institutions such as NIT and IIM, combined with pleasant weather and lower operational costs, give Meghalaya a comparative advantage to be a global hub for IT services in this era of data and information,” the President said.
Terming the President’s visit as “historic,” Governor Chauhan thanked Murmu for inaugurating the fifth Meghalaya Games at Tura as well as other developmental projects aimed at propelling the growth trajectory of the state.
“She has carved an indelible place in the hearts of the people by reaching out to people, particularly women in self-help groups; he hailed her for being the first woman from the tribal community of the country to be honoured with the post of first citizen and also for being the youngest President of the country,” Chauhan said.
Delivering the welcome address, Chief Minister Sangma thanked the President for inspiring the youth of the state by inaugurating the Meghalaya Games and also for bringing the first President of the country to stay at the newly inaugurated Raj Bhavan at Tura.
